How do you deal with vibration?


Greetings all,

Many of us work very hard to keep vibration out of our equipment. I was hoping we could share our experiences with each other. I was wondering what other DIY methods people are using?

I personally have had good luck with shipping open cell foam under plywood. I find that about 60-70 percent compression works best. I place the foam underneath some plywood (Using spruce 3/4 inch). Then I place the component on the plywood. However, I think this more isolates the component from outside vibration. I don't think it does much to drain internal vibrations, especially in a CD transport.

Also I can not find open cell foam in town any more. I am ashamed to say that I actually went to Wal-mart to buy some. Now they don't carry it any more. So I was wondering where else I can get some?

I am currently thinking about building a Sandbox for my CD player and amp. Then putting the sand box on top of some sort of isolation material (open cell foam or cork rubber etc.) My thoughts are the foam or cork or etc should help keep the vibrations from getting into the equipment and the box should drain the internal vibrations.

Also, what are peoples experience with different woods. I live in BC so I can get most wood fairly cheap. I imagine every wood has it's own sonic signature due to it's resonant frequency. What works best? Solid maple, birch ply, MDF, walnut, mahogany etc...?\

Anyways, feel free to through ideas and experience (both good and bad) out there. It would be good to know what works and what doesn't.

Happy tweaking,
Nick
nickway
>>If you got the impression that the untrained ears phrase was demeaning
for my friend that was not my intent<<

No, I did not get the feeling you were trying to demean your friend.

One of my problems with so many of the testimonials I see and the
arguments that follow is that it turns into something like a game of button,
button, whose got the button?

What I mean by that is -- you generally read these testimonials where a new
Cable or Vibrapod, or Halograph, or Shakti Stone is inserted into a system
and makes this HUGE difference. So big that ANYONE would be able to hear it
-- even with cheese cloth over their ears. And even my next door neighboor,
who is half deaf and didn't even know I'd changed anything walked in, his
knees buckled and he shouted out, "MY GOD, YOUR SYSTEM SOUNDS
SO MUCH BETTER, I CAN HARDLY WALK!!!"

But, then when you ask why no one can seem to pass a double-blind listening
test and reliably tell any difference -- the story always changes. Suddenly,
the story becomes all about how these changes are incredibly subtle and only
people who've been trained in Tibetan Caves by Zen Masters can hear the
difference and only with the right system and only when they are in the right
mood and only when their moon is in Sagitarius --- and that's why the
subjects cannot pass these tests.

That's all.
Sol322, i agree. it's all about the music, and for you and me these tweaks have improved the enjoyment. Those who posted above me do not find the same enjoyment, great so be it. As for having to prove I'm enjoying myself, look at my smile.
For now, I have A GPA Monaco two-tier stand with a single F-1 shelf(Dac/transport) and a Townshend Seimic rack(for the rest). I try to stay with products/methods that have proven themselves. In the future, I may explore Stillpoints. BTW, I purchase most products used.
Jadem6, I agree. You may notice that I am largely dismissive of those who say vibration control cannot help. If they believe that, it is fine with me, but if someone asks, I have many suggestions. I cannot understand why they care to try to convince me that they are right despite my hearing they are wrong. They often say that I am delusional but they cannot prove it and I don't think they are right. Enjoy.